Ibuprofen for Psoriasis

Overview
Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also known by its brand names, Advil and Motrin. Stronger doses of ibuprofen are available by prescription. Ibuprofen is used to treat pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints caused by psoriatic arthritis.

Ibuprofen should not be used by people who are allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve. Ibuprofen may not be appropriate for pregnant women. Do not take ibuprofen while you are also taking aspirin or another NSAID drug. Ibuprofen should be used with caution in smokers, diabetics, and people with a history of heart problems, liver disease, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, or strokes.

Ibuprofen is an NSAID. NSAIDs help reduce fever, pain, and inflammation. Ibuprofen is believed to work by inhibiting the production of chemicals that promote inflammation and blood clot formation in the body.

How do I take it?
Always check with your doctor before taking a new medication, including over-the-counter medications.

Take ibuprofen according to directions given by your doctor or found on the medication package. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. When taking NSAIDs, it is important to use the lowest dose that is effective and to take it for the shortest amount of time to avoid side effects.

Taking ibuprofen with food or after meals may help avoid gastrointestinal side effects.

Results
In an article published in 2005, researchers reviewed scientific literature on the use of NSAIDs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. The researchers concluded that NSAIDs are more effective than a placebo for treating joint pain, swelling, and tenderness associated with psoriatic arthritis.

Side effects
The risk of side effects from NSAIDs increases the longer you take them.

In some people, NSAIDs can cause a worsening of skin symptoms of psoriasis.

Ibuprofen may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and serious gastrointestinal injury including perforation.

Common side effects of ibuprofen include abdominal pain and cramps, gastrointestinal ulcerations, bleeding, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea.

Contact your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, black stools that appear bloody or tarry, or a fever that lasts more than three days while taking ibuprofen.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, severe dizziness, rash, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.